Winter Wellness for Dogs

Winter Wellness for Dogs

Herbs, Nutrition & Lifestyle Support for Your Pet in the Colder Months

As the winter chill sets in, we naturally reach for scarves, warm teas, and comforting soups. But our furry friends also feel the shift in seasons—and they rely on us to help them stay well. Whether it’s stiff joints, dry skin, immune challenges, or just the winter blues, our dogs can benefit from some extra TLC during the cooler months.

Let’s explore how to keep your dog warm, well, and wagging with herbal support, nutrition, and daily care.

Common Winter Concerns in Dogs

• Joint stiffness or arthritis flare-ups

• Weakened immune function

• Dry, flaky skin and dull coat

• Mood or behavioural changes due to less sunlight or time outdoors

• Weight gain from reduced activity

Herbal Allies for Winter Wellness in Dogs

1. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
A powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Turmeric can support joint mobility, immune resilience, and overall comfort—especially when combined with black pepper for absorption.

2. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Gentle and soothing for digestion, anxiety, and skin. Use as a calming tea or add powdered form to meals in small amounts.

3. Reishi & Chaga Mushrooms
Support immune function, inflammation, and overall vitality. Medicinal mushrooms are ideal for senior dogs or those with chronic health issues. Best given as a liquid extract or powder blended into food.

4. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Warming and stimulating for dogs prone to poor circulation or cold sensitivity. Also excellent for nausea or sluggish digestion.

5. Nettles (Urtica dioica)
Rich in minerals and supportive for skin health, joint inflammation, and overall strength. Nettles are a gentle tonic safe for most dogs.

6. Rosehips (Rosa canina)
Packed with natural vitamin C and bioflavonoids—great for immune support and collagen formation for joint tissues.

7. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
In small amounts, licorice can soothe inflammation and support adrenal function—especially helpful for older or stressed dogs. Use with caution in dogs with heart conditions.

Winter Nutrition for Dogs

Just like humans, dogs thrive on warm, nourishing food during winter. Cold food from the fridge will not feel great on a cold morning!

Top Nutrition Tips:

• Warm up their food: Adding warm water, bone broth, or lightly steaming raw meals helps digestion and increases palatability.

• Include healthy fats: Omega-3s from flax, hemp, or fish oils support skin, coat, and joint health.

• Offer functional herbs: Mix in small amounts of turmeric, chamomile, or mushroom powder (ensure pet-safe and appropriately dosed- for guidance reach out!).

• Hydration still matters! Dogs can drink less in winter. Offer broths or warm herbal teas (like nettle or chamomile) to encourage fluid intake.

Mobility & Joint Care

Cold weather can stiffen joints and worsen arthritis. Support your dog’s mobility with the following:

Lifestyle Tips:

• Keep bedding warm and off cold floors

• Use coats for older or small breeds during walks

• Maintain gentle daily movement (short walks, light play)

• Avoid slippery floors—use rugs or mats to prevent joint strain

Herbal Support:

• Turmeric – anti-inflammatory for pain relief

• Devil’s Claw or Boswellia (under practitioner guidance) – stronger joint support

• Rosehip + Nettle – nourish connective tissue and reduce inflammation

• Golden Paste – popular blend of turmeric, oil, and black pepper for arthritis (in pet-safe doses)

Inner Peace offers a number of both herbal and supplemental support options for our canine companions- for more information head to the website, or please reach out.

Supplement Support for Stiff Joints & Winter Mobility

In addition to herbal allies, the following supplements can offer real benefits for dogs dealing with stiff joints, age-related mobility issues, or inflammation worsened by cold weather:

1. Collagen (Type II or Hydrolyzed Collagen)

Collagen provides structural support to connective tissues, cartilage, and joints. It's especially helpful for:

• Supporting joint elasticity and cushioning

• Promoting healthy skin and coat

• Enhancing mobility in aging dogs

Tip: Add hydrolyzed collagen to meals (choose dog-specific products or vet-approved human-grade powders). Find some here in Inner Peace

2. Hyaluronic Acid

Naturally present in joint fluid, hyaluronic acid helps maintain joint lubrication and shock absorption.
Often combined with collagen, MSM, or glucosamine for more complete joint formulas.

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA)

Sourced from fish oil or algae, omega-3s:

• Reduce joint inflammation

• Support skin and coat health

• Help regulate immune function

Tip: Look for pet-safe fish oil, krill oil, or hemp seed oil (never essential oils).

4. MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)

A natural sulfur compound that:

• Reduces inflammation and oxidative damage

• Supports connective tissue healing

• Works well alongside glucosamine/chondroitin

5. Green-Lipped Mussel (Perna canaliculus)

A whole food source of joint-supportive compounds including:

• Omega-3s

• Glycosaminoglycans (like glucosamine)

• Antioxidants

Great for pain relief and restoring ease of movement—especially in senior dogs.

Combining Herbs + Supplements

Herbal remedies like turmeric, nettle, rosehip, and reishi offer inflammation relief and tissue repair, while nutritional supplements like collagen, MSM, and omega-3s build structure and resilience from the inside out.

Together, they create a complete winter joint care plan. Reach out for support and guidance on herb and supplement options available.

Winter Mood & Immune Boosting Rituals

• Sunshine Therapy: Let them bask in the winter sun for warmth and natural vitamin D

• Massage or TTouch: Helps circulation, reduces anxiety, and improves mobility

• Daily herbal tonics: Like a medicinal mushroom blend or immunity support tincture

Final Tips for Winter Pet Wellness

• Keep pets dry, especially after rain or dew—damp fur can chill fast

• Watch for signs of joint pain: reluctance to jump, stiffness, or irritability

• Make their rest space extra cosy: warm beds, blankets, and a safe, draft-free spot

• Maintain regular vet check-ups, especially for senior dogs in winter

Suggested Winter Wellness Additions from the Apothecary:

• Herbal Support for Dogs – general immune and vitality blend

• Soothe & Calm – nervous system and stress support for the winter blues

• Chaga or Reishi Liquid Extract – immune boosting and anti-inflammatory

• Skin & Coat Support – for dryness, shedding, and winter itch

• Golden Paste or Turmeric powder – gentle joint care

Final thoughts

Winter is a time to slow down, nurture deeply, and stay warm—our dogs deserve the same care and comfort. With the right herbs, nourishment, and attention, we can help them move through winter with ease and vitality.

To help support your dog during Winter, pop over here and check out what's available.

Can't find what you're looking for? Please don't hesitate to get in touch here.

We offer custom blends and consultations so everyone is looked after!

Reference List – Winter Wellness for Dogs

1. Tilford, G., & Wulff-Tilford, M. (2009). Herbs for Pets: The Natural Way to Enhance Your Pet's Life. BowTie Press.
   – Comprehensive guide to safe herbal use for dogs, including turmeric, chamomile, ginger, and mushrooms.

2. Wynn, S.G., & Fougere, B. (2007). Veterinary Herbal Medicine. Elsevier Health Sciences.
   – Evidence-based herbal support for canine immune, joint, and nervous system health.

3. White, K. (2017). “Golden Paste for Dogs: How Turmeric Can Help Your Pet.” Dogs Naturally Magazine.
   – Dosage and safety info for turmeric use in pets.

4. Swanson, K.S., et al. (2013). “Nutritional sustainability of pet foods.” Advances in Nutrition, 4(2), 141–150.
   – Nutritional foundations for seasonal dietary adjustments in pets.

5. National Research Council. (2006). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press.
   – Guidelines for essential nutrient support in different climates and life stages.

6. Veterinary Herbalist Clinical Notes (2020). Unpublished case observations of joint and mobility support with rosehip, nettle, and medicinal mushrooms in aging dogs.

7. Smith, A. (2021). “Reishi & Chaga for Pets: Natural Immune Support.” Herbal Academy Blog.
   – Overview of functional mushrooms in veterinary wellness.

8. Canine Arthritis Management (UK): www.caninearthritis.co.uk
   – Supportive care guidelines and movement tips for dogs with joint issues.